Friendly, Independent, Affordable Schools near good State Primary Schools in South

Hi, I have been abroad for 20 years and will be returning to England next summer. We have no ties and have been looking at the south mostly: Oxford, Devon, Sussex, Dorset, Suffolk, however the choice of schools are overwhelming.

I have two boys:

9 years old. He would benefit from a mainstream school with smaller class sizes. We are looking for a private, friendly school that can cater to the areas that he struggles in (dyslexia but not obviously so - struggles mostly with maths) as well as look at his strengths (verbal), but would not rule out a state school that can also help him. He has been bullied and needs good pastoral care to boost his confidence.

5 years old, very outgoing and strong-willed, would probably do just fine in and school and not sure I can afford private for primary as well as secondary! We just need to find a decent school close to his brother.

I realise this is a very broad set of criteria, but I have absolutely no idea where to start. I have been looking at The Good Schools Guide as well as some other sites and there are hundreds and hundreds of schools! We are not hung up on big names and couldn't afford those either.

Oh and preferably in a semi-rural area without the ridiculous house prices!!

Any recommendations for schools would be great, then at least I can order the brochures and start from there.

Hi I wouodnt assume that going the private route would benefit any child with a special need - sometimes they just arent geared up for it. Keep an open mind and look at both state and private and see what experience amd success they have in teaching childen with SEN.